2018 Nickel Value Guide: How to Identify Valuable 2018 Nickels

You might be surprised how much a 2018 nickel can be worth over its face value.

While most worn, or circulated, 2018 nickels are worth just their face value of 5 cents, some are worth hundreds of dollars.

Of course, the hard part is knowing the difference between rare and valuable 2018 nickels versus those you can just spend as regular money.

But I’m going to show you exactly what to look for — so please read on!

Why Are Some 2018 Nickels Rare & Valuable?

That’s a great question! Let me start with why most 2018 nickels are NOT rare and valuable though…

For starters, the U.S. Mint struck more than 1.25 billion (with a “B”) nickels in 2018. So that right there shows there are a lot (and I mean a lot) of 2018 nickels out there. A number like that suggests these coins are actually common — not rare.

What’s more, most worn 2018 nickels are worth only their face value of 5 cents. And that pretty much dispels any thinking that these coins are worth money — or even worth looking for at all, right?

Well, not exactly…

You see, there really are rare and valuable 2018 nickels out there. But you’ve got to know what makes some (and I do mean some — not all) of these coins worth plucking out of circulation.

Basically, being in superior condition and/or having errors or varieties is what would make a 2018 nickel worth more than just 5 cents.

And that’s what I really want to talk about in this next section regarding 2018 nickel values.

Full Steps Matter When It Comes To Jefferson Nickels

Take a close look at the back (reverse) of your 2018 Jefferson nickels. What do you see?

You’ll probably see a building with a dome on it. That’s Monticello — the Virginia home of President Thomas Jefferson, who’s the guy on the front (obverse) of the same nickel.

Near the base of the Monticello are little steps. If your nickel is well worn, you may not see the individual steps. But if your coin is uncirculated, you should see them — 5 or 6 steps.

Now these little steps are important, as they will be used to help determine the condition of your nickel. Because the steps aren’t always fully struck onto the coin. This is largely due to the striking quality. Collectors really value the Jefferson nickels that show complete step detail — because this is a pretty important component in determining whether the coin was fully (or almost completely) struck.

Full Steps Jefferson nickels are generally uncommon — and they can be rare if the nickel is in top condition. The only Jefferson nickels that would even have a chance at qualifying for the coveted Full Steps designation are those that are graded as “uncirculated.”

What’s an uncirculated coin? It’s a coin that shows no signs of circulation wear and was most likely never spent as money.

In other words, your worn Jefferson nickels stand no chance of ever being graded with the Full Steps designation. But if you find some that have no wear on them? Ah, then you’ve got a chance…

Find Out The Grade Of Your 2018 Nickel

Before you can determine the true value of your 2018 Jefferson nickel, you first need to know what condition (or grade) your coin is in.

Grab a coin magnifier and a copy of the U.S. Coin Grading Standards book. Then, watch this video to see how to grade coins yourself at home:

2018 Error & Variety Nickels And Their Values

There are many 2018 nickels with errors and varieties, which are mint-made mistakes and anomalies that are collectible and typically worth a good bit of money.

The problem is that it can be very hard — even seemingly impossible to find 2018 error nickels. Quality control has become exceptionally good at the U.S. Mint in recent years, and technological advances in the striking process have also helped eliminate many of the errors and varieties that collectors often encounter with older coins.

Some of the most frequently encountered types of error coins are off-center strikes and broadstrikes, while doubled dies are among the most valuable types of varieties.

As I said, it’s pretty hard to find 2018 nickels with errors or notable varieties these days. But if you were to find any, how much might these coins be worth?

Let’s look to some typical values for what error nickels are worth:

• Off-center nickel value — Nickels that are 3% to 5% off-center are often worth $10 to $20, and those that are around 50% off center and show a complete date can take $100 or more.
• Broadstrike nickel value — Broadstrike nickels, which are typically thinner and a tad wider than ordinary nickels, are usually worth $10 to $30.
• Doubled die nickel value — A more obscure doubled die can trade for $25 to $100, while major doubled die with doubling that is evident to the naked eye can go for multiples of that!

What Are The Most Valuable 2018 Nickels Worth?

Most uncirculated 2018-P nickels and 2018-D nickels from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints are worth in the neighborhood of 20 to 50 cents apiece.

Proof 2018-S nickels from the San Francisco Mint can go for $3 to $5.

But, believe it or not, there are some 2018 nickels that are worth far more than that…

The most valuable 2018 nickel sold to date was graded Mint State-68 Full Steps by Professional Coin Grading Service and fetched a stunning $2,400 in 2019!

Think you may have a valuable 2018 nickel and want to find out what it’s worth? Post a comment below with a clear photo or two of your coin and I’ll do my best to help you find out more about it.